There are many things in this cruel world that people would selfishly sell their children’s souls for. Even just a slithered taste of the divine could bring someone to their knees. Hundreds of thousands die at the hands of nobles, who find pure joy teaseing the very existence of water right in their desperate faces.

I’m no noble.

But some may consider me one. If they knew of my whereabouts that is. My home is not on the luxurious side, however neither one of poverty. I suppose I could be rich if I wanted. But where’s the fun in that? I trace my fingers around the wet, muddy stone walls, gleaming proudly at the falling flow of wasted, endless, potential money.

“Rin!” An exceedingly annoying voice makes its way to ruin my peace. I don’t dare speak back to it. Instead, I hide myself between two thorny bushes, tightening my arms to my chest to avoid any cuts to my arms.

“Rin, I know you’re here. Your hair is poking out the top.” Maybe if I don’t answer, it will go away.

“Rin get out the bush, come on. We have to get you back to your room. Who knows what your mother will say to me if she finds you out here again.”

_All my mother cares about is keeping me away from the lake._ “I don’t care! She will just leave me all alone for hours again!” I spit at the women gradually getting uncomfortably closer to me.

“Well… I guess you don’t want that surprise after all.” She stops, then goes to turn around. Suddenly the annoying presence doesn’t seem so bad after all. I leap forward forgetting that I was hiding between two barricades of tiny sharp needles.

“Wait! I do want it, I swear!” Ignoring the small sting on my arm, I take the woman’s hand in mine.

“Show me to it.”

Waiting. A child’s first sworn enemy. So unbearably painful to do that the younge mind couldn’t comprehend anything more unforgiving. I let out an inpatient groan. “Is it here yeeeet?” I kick my feet at the chair opposite me.

“Almost.” The woman speaks back, clearly getting more aggravated with every continuous question.

“Can you give me a hint?” I ask.

“Will it make you stop asking me pointless questions?”

I nod my head aggressively.

“Alright then.” She gets in closer than I usually allow her to. I fight off the urge to pull back.

“Soon. Loneliness will be a distant concept.” She smiles wide in my face like a weighted burden has been lifted from her eyes. What does she mean loneliness? There is nothing my mother can do to fix the lack of people in this house. This place is sworn private, hidden away from any prying eyes. I will always be lonely, no matter how many toys she makes for me. Loneliness will linger behind my shoulders for as many years as I am to live.

Suddenly, a loud bang echoes from the hallway. I dash from my seat towards it. I rapidily yank the door back to finally reveal the surprise that awaited me. My eyes go wide with confusion. There stands in the doorway, a child like me. Only they do not look to be in the same rank of society, but rather much higher. He’s dressed from head to toe in glamorous clothing and the most prestigious of jewellery I’ve ever layed eyes on. His hair tucked so neatly to his head it looks almost fake, and his face so devoid of suffering it makes me a little jealous.

“Hello.” He says, grin wider than I thought possible. Teeth whiter than I thought possible. I go to try say something, however my voice doesn’t seem to work properly. This isn’t real. This shouldn’t be real. _Nobody, _is to know of this place. It’s forbidden. Dangerous even.

_What has my mother done._